Fnatic ONIC overpowers Malaysian champion SRG, advances to M6 upper bracket semis

Lone Philippine bet Fnatic ONIC overwhelmed the home team Selangor Red Giants, 2-0, during the opening day of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M6 World Championship knockout stage on Saturday in Malaysia. 

With the decisive victory, the reigning MPL Philippines champions have sealed their spot in the upper bracket semifinals and sent SRG to the lower bracket where a loss will end its campaign. 

"Definitely, I was happy. Shocked a bit because of how these boys did in the game, I think they did exceptionally well but yeah again, after the initial shock of the 2-0 win, we remain grounded," Fnatic Onic head coach Tony “Ynot” Senedrin said. 

"It's still a long way to go, we're gonna be facing a strong team in Falcons, we're gonna have to review that and let's see."

Exp laner Jann "Kirk" Gutierrez (Edith) secured their first lord at the 19th minute, but a backdoor play attempt from Pinoy import John "Innocent" Banal on his signature Moskow pick almost at the top lane almost proved costly for Fnatic ONIC. 

However, the Filipinos defended the base with Duane "Kelra" Pillas eventually picking off Innocent while the rest of Fnatic ONIC marched on the middle lane to finish it off. 

Kelra earned the MVP nod after unleashing six kills and 14 assists on Bruno as they drew first blood against the reigning Mid-Season Cup champions. 

In Game 2, it was just pure dominance for Fnatic ONIC. 

With all nine turrets still alive, 10k gold advantage, and seized lord in just 11 minutes of action, they banked on the double kills from Kelra's Granger and Kirk's Gatotkaca to close out the best-of-three series and head to the next round, where a victory will assure them at least a third place finish. 

Fnatic ONIC will take on Myanmar's Falcon Esports in a best-of-five clash later at 3 p.m. with the winner advancing to the upper bracket finals. In the other semis, Indonesia teams RRQ Hoshi and Team Liquid will lock horns at 6 p.m. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News